Same situation as you. But will have only worked for 2 years before my maternity leave. We don’t pay back on statutory maternity, so we can leave anytime after our maternity leave finishes. I do agree with Kayleigh on the notice part. Also a thought, as we don’t get paid last 3 months if your company provides kit days you could do it for money to sustain you for a bit.
I did exactly the same for exactly the same reason and I didn’t have to pay anything back x
At the end of my mat leave I told them it wasn’t feasible for me to go back because what they were paying me and what I’d have to pay in nursery fees didn’t add up x
Wait till the end of your mat leave then hand in your notice xx